Equipment and audio recommendations/help

[Boneycat]

I currently have a Samsung S8+ and B&O H6 DJ Khaled cans. I know just enough to be dangerous with regards to matching components. With that said I'm trying to find the best component match ups for what I currently own. I typically stream my music, which is mostly rock, hard rock/metal, and the occasional house/DJ. I have Amazon Music Unlimited, which I believe is streamed at a max of 256kbps. I have no problems cancelling that for Spotify Premium which streams at a max of 320kbps. With that in mind would a portable DAC even be needed? If so any recommendations? I am also open to suggestions on other music streaming services, but I will say I don't really want to spend $20/month on Tidal. Thanks in advance!!

 

[Me x3]

Well, it really depends on your preferences. Sometimes is not only about SQ.
A portable DAC/Amp like the E17K for instance might improve the battery life of your smartphone when listening to music, then you also have a more intuitive volume control, bass and treble quality EQ, three gain levels for different types of headphones, you can set the turn off time if I remember correctly (sleep mode), and of course you get a high quality DAC and a powerful amp. It can also be used with different sources, in case you want to use a laptop some day, a hotel's computer or whatever, you can have your sound quality with you on a device like this. Then it also serves as a reference, to judge other devices. You might not need a DAC/Amp at this point but if you have the money, it's always a nice addition SQ and features wise.

I speak for the FiiO which is the one I'm more familiarized with. You might find quality DAC/Amps for other brands as well.
I guess you'll need an OTG adapter cable to make an external DAC work with the S8, check the USB Audio compatibility of the S8 before investing on an external DAC. I'm pretty sure it works but haven't tried it myself on that particular phone.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

I currently have a Samsung S8+ and B&O H6 DJ Khaled cans. I know just enough to be dangerous with regards to matching components. With that said I'm trying to find the best component match ups for what I currently own. I typically stream my music, which is mostly rock, hard rock/metal, and the occasional house/DJ. I have Amazon Music Unlimited, which I believe is streamed at a max of 256kbps. I have no problems cancelling that for Spotify Premium which streams at a max of 320kbps. With that in mind would a portable DAC even be needed? If so any recommendations? I am also open to suggestions on other music streaming services, but I will say I don't really want to spend $20/month on Tidal. Thanks in advance!!

Chances are those headphones have a high enough efficiency that the extra power of an amp isn't going to make for an audible difference, unless your S8 has a volume limiter or high output impedance (the Note series tend to be smoother and more neutral-sounding than the S series for example). And you only need the DAC to feed a fixed voltage signal to the amp.

If you really want to try and see if it makes any difference, try the Ibasso D-Zero MkII. Make sure you have the Lightning to USB adapter to enable digital transmission out of the iPhone.